Texas Reckless

by Gerry Bartlett

  “Glad to help.” He hugged her then stepped back. “See you in the morning.” He looked down at his shirt. “I reek. I doubt these clothes are worth saving.”

  “Put them in the hamper in the hall bathroom and I’ll see if I can wash the smell and stains out.” Rachel stood in the doorway. “I’ll do that tomorrow. Right now I’m heading out as soon as the kitchen’s clean. I’ll get here early and fix you all a good breakfast. But not too early. No horses to feed. You can sleep a little later. Right, Sierra?”

  “Right.” She thanked Rachel again then headed down the hall. Exhaustion overwhelmed her, but her mind wouldn’t quit. By the time she was in bed, she figured she’d just lie there staring at the ceiling, wondering about the fire and who’d started it. But exhaustion won and she was out like a light.

  Chapter Nine

  “I want to hear more about how you ended up staying in my sister’s house.” Dylan shut his laptop then followed Rhett to the kitchen. He’d obviously risen early and been waiting for Rhett to leave his bedroom.

  “Be glad to answer any questions right after I get my coffee.” Rhett smiled at Rachel. “Something smells good.” He took the mug she handed him. “Can we wait for Sierra to wake up? Unless she’s already outside.”

  “No, she’s still in bed.” Rachel glanced at the clock. “It will do her good to sleep past seven for a change. You two go sit in the den and get acquainted while I finish this batch of cinnamon rolls. I’m sure the smell will wake her up. Surprised the bacon didn’t do the trick.” She turned back to the counter and a bowl. Tramp sat at her feet, hoping for bacon.

  Dylan hugged the housekeeper. “Your cinnamon rolls are one of the reasons I come here.” He refilled his own coffee. “Can’t wait.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll call you as soon as they’re done.” She slapped his hand when he reached for the raisins. “Go on now. Scram! Dog, go with them.”

  Dylan laughed and headed back to the recliner where he always sat. Rhett followed him. Tramp found his spot in front of the fireplace.

  “You afraid I’m here with nefarious intent?” Rhett settled on the couch. He wished Sierra were there beside him, her firm thigh pressed against his. At least she was getting some sleep. He’d never seen anyone work as hard as she’d done yesterday. Her limp had been worse by the time they’d finished dinner, and there had been dark circles under her eyes. If her brother hadn’t been watching last night, he would have carried her to her bedroom. Not to try anything, just to make it easier for her.

  “‘Nefarious intent.’ Showing off your vocabulary, writer?” Dylan set his mug on the side table next to him. “I had my investigator send me a copy of the report he did for Sierra. I’m glad she had sense enough to have him run the background check.”

  “Sierra is certainly a sensible woman. She’s been through a lot recently, though, and I’m glad I was here.” Rhett leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “I’ll be honest with you, MacKenzie.”

  “Please do.” The recliner snapped down. Dylan looked ready for a cross-examination.

  “I had no intention of staying on a ranch when I crashed in front of this place the other day. Sometimes things happen, and I’ve learned to pay attention when they do.” He saw Dylan smirk. “You think that’s funny? Some kind of metaphysical bullshit?”

  “You talking about fate?” Dylan rolled his eyes. “Give me a break. I’m more inclined to think this is a setup. I told my guy to do a deeper dive on you. Check bank records. Make sure you don’t have a backdoor deal with that outfit from Dallas. Seems a little too convenient that you land here one day and the barn is ablaze that same night.”

  “Go ahead and dig all you want. You won’t find any dirt. Besides, if I had set the fire, would I still be here, waiting for breakfast?”

  “It would be a clever way to cover your tracks.” No smile on that intent lawyerly face.

  Rhett understood Dylan’s skepticism. Hell, hadn’t he worried about his own sister’s new man recently?

  “Trust me, I’m not bluffing about that investigation.” Dylan picked up his phone from the table.

  “Fine. I just thank God I was here. You have no idea how close your sister came to dying yesterday, man.” Rhett saw the phone drop to Dylan’s lap. “Sierra was determined to save her horses. Her ranch hand stepped in, but he just grabbed the ones nearest the barn door, leaving the horses closest to the flames to your sister. She risked her life pulling out the last of them. Believe me, it took all three of us to get them to safety.”

  Dylan looked away, obviously fighting emotion. “You have no idea what Sierra has been through. Shit, if she’d died…” He swallowed. “Hell, I believe you. She’d do anything to save a horse.” Dylan picked up his coffee and stared at Rhett over the rim. “She told me you were a big hero, saving Chief. She’s crazy about that stallion. He came here in really bad shape and she nursed him back to health.”

  “I admire how she rescues abused horses.” Rhett looked away from Dylan’s probing gaze. The lawyer was probably good in court, getting confessions from guilty people.

  “Who wouldn’t admire her? Pretty gutsy to run into a burning barn, though.” Dylan sipped his coffee. “Why’d you risk it, Hall? Just because you love horses? Or to impress Sierra? Unless…” He examined Rhett like he would a witness on the stand. “Oxcart sent you. Make your pitch yet? Don’t bother to answer that. I’ll ask Sierra when she gets out here.”

  “Ask her about the other problems she’s had. The poisoned cattle and the threats. If I did tell her selling out might be the smart play, counselor, it’s because I’m thinking she shouldn’t dismiss the barn fire as an isolated incident. It appears that Sierra is the only one standing in the way of future prosperity for Muellerville. If that’s so, you think the barn fire is the last move whoever is behind this will make to get her to give up and sell?”

  “Shit. You’re making sense. What other threats? Letters? Phone calls?” Dylan glanced toward his sister’s bedroom.

  “You’ll have to ask her. Like I said, I landed here by accident. But your family needs to pay attention to this mess Sierra is in. She needs help. While you’re talking to your investigator, have him do a deep dive on Oxcart. Do they always put pressure on reluctant landowners to sell? What are their methods?” Rhett drained his cup and stood. “I smell cinnamon rolls, and I think I heard the shower running a few minutes ago.”

  “Yeah, I heard it too.” Dylan stood. “For now, let’s call a truce. Unless my guy finds out you’ve been lying to me and to my sister. Then all bets are off.” He held out his hand.

  “Truce. But I’ve said it to the sheriff and I’ll say it to you. Go easy on Sierra. This fire has hit her hard. And she’s tired of people telling her what to do. She almost took my head off when I suggested she give up just a part of this place.” Rhett shook Dylan’s hand. “It would help if you could figure out a decent solution for her. One that lets her keep her ranch and still make the citizens of Muellerville happy.”

  “A solution. I like the sound of that. What I don’t like the sound of is your bullshit about fate.” Dylan dropped his hand. “That sounds like an excuse to make a run at my sister. If she’s as vulnerable as you say she is, she sure doesn’t need some random guy making moves on her now.”

  “I know how to treat a woman with respect.” Rhett smiled. “And how to comfort one.”

  “You son of a—” Dylan raised a fist.

  * * * *

  “Stop right there!” Sierra ran down the hall. “Am I really going to have to throw myself between you two?” She stepped in front of Dylan. “What’s going on here?”

  “Just setting this Yankee straight.” Dylan kissed her cheek. “How are you this morning?”

  Sierra looked from him to Rhett. “I’m fine. Rested. Don’t mess up my day by starting a ruckus.”

  “We won’t. In fact, we just called a truce.” Rhett gri
nned at her. “Your brother is just being protective. Which is how I am with my sister Scarlett.”

  Dylan started laughing. “Seriously? Scarlett and Rhett? What is this, some kind of Gone with the Wind joke?”

  “Stop it, Dylan.” Sierra grabbed his hand, then Rhett’s and stood between them. “I smell Rachel’s cinnamon rolls. Let’s eat. I’m starving.”

  “Relax, Sierra. I’m used to that reaction. Yes, Dylan, my mother is a big fan of the book and movie. She’s from Atlanta where the movie was filmed.” Rhett smiled showing all his teeth. “You want to make fun of my mother now?”

  “Boys, play nice.” She didn’t wait to see what they’d do, just dragged them both toward the kitchen. The trash talk stopped at the sight of good food. Breakfast was reasonably cheerful, with only a few barbed comments from her brother. He still thought he had to protect her from any man who showed an interest. Nice that Rhett was definitely interested. She dreaded going outside to face that black stain on her land that used to be her barn. Instead she lingered over her coffee until Rachel went outside to feed her chickens.

  “We need to talk about this deal with the developer, Sierra.” Dylan had on his stern lawyer face. “Rhett filled me in.”

  “Thanks, Rhett.” Sierra debated getting up for more coffee. “What do you have to say, Dylan?”

  “I need that paperwork. I don’t like what’s going on here, but maybe you should consider their offer. If the entire town is for it.” Her brother pushed back from the table. “The evidence suggests that.”

  “Evidence. A few disgruntled business owners want the trade the senior citizens would bring them. Am I to give up my dream of running this ranch to make them happy?” Sierra stood and glared at both men. Rhett got up immediately, playing the gentleman. “I’ll get you the paperwork. But, remember, I own this property. I’ll let you consult as my lawyer, brother dear, but I can always hire a different one. Someone who will take my side.”

  “I’m always on your side, Sierra.” Dylan followed her. “Damn it, I didn’t say you had to sell. I just want the facts.”

  She marched into the den and found the folder where she’d stuffed all the correspondence from the development company. There was a lot of it. For the last two weeks, she’d gotten letters daily. And then there had been the phone calls…. She almost threw it at Dylan, then stomped off toward her bedroom.

  “Sierra!” Rhett was right behind her. “What are your plans today?”

  She turned around and bumped into him. “I don’t know. First, I’d like to drive over to the neighbors and check out the places where my horses are staying, arrange to pay for their feed. Then I’m going to see if the sheriff has any news for me.” Sierra looked past him. “Shoot! I need to ask Dylan about the insurance. He said he’d handle that.”

  “I’ll tell him.” Rhett held her shoulders. “Mind if I go with you? See these other ranches?”

  “More research, Rhett?” She had to admit she wouldn’t mind the company. He looked good this morning. He’d shaved and had on fresh jeans and a white shirt that showed off his tan. She glanced down. He still wore Dylan’s boots. She’d gotten an earful about those boots over breakfast.

  “Research, and to offer you some moral support. If you want it.” He noticed where she was looking. “Maybe we could stop in town. I hope there’s a place where I can buy my own boots. Give the town some trade and get Dylan off my back. Apparently I’m wearing some very expensive boots for walking around a ranch. I planned to pay for them, but your brother would rather have them back. Custom-made, he said.”

  “Yes, all the men in my family have a thing about their boots and hats being made to order.” She smiled at him. “Sure, come with me. I’d like your support, and it would be a nice gesture of goodwill to take you into the Trading Post so you can spread some money around.” She laid a hand on his chest, warm, solid. “You should pick up a few western shirts too. The kind with the snaps.”

  “Like you have on your shirt.” He touched the top snap with the pearl cover. “I’d love to hear the sound of those snaps popping open.”

  “I’ll just bet you would.” She turned away from his grin, her heart fluttering. His flirting gave her interesting ideas. When she got to her bedroom door she looked back. He still stood where she’d left him. “This train is leaving the station in five minutes. Be sure to tell Dylan about that insurance policy.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He winked and turned away.

  Sierra smiled all the way into her bathroom. A little touch-up on her lipstick, a brush through her hair and boots on her own feet and she was ready to go. She liked Rhett, maybe a little too much. It was easy to forget that she hadn’t known him more than a day or two. How long did it take, though, before you knew if the chemistry was right? It wasn’t as if she was looking for something long-term. With all that had happened, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to hold her close for a change? Oh, God, yes.

  With that thought she left the bedroom and headed for the truck. It was in her garage, behind the house. Good thing the fire hadn’t spread to that and the bunkhouse. Rhett was waiting for her.

  “Your brother said to tell you he’ll be meeting with your insurance agent and an adjuster out here sometime today. You’re not to worry about it; he’ll handle it.” Rhett opened the driver’s door for her.

  “Oh, maybe I should stick around then. I am the property owner. I saw him talking to Fred Meadows yesterday and Dylan looked upset.” Sierra didn’t climb into the truck.

  “Let the lawyer throw his weight around. I could tell he wants to. You need to see about your horses.” Rhett looked around the large garage. “Would have been a shame if this had burned down.”

  “Yes. I’ve got another building with a tractor, hay baling equipment and other expensive ranching supplies. That didn’t burn either, thanks to the firemen. They obviously hosed the roof down as soon as they got there. It’s right behind the barn.” Sierra climbed into the driver’s seat. “I use those four-wheelers to check the pastures. The extra truck is handy for taking hay out to the cattle in the winter.” She waited until Rhett was buckled in then backed out. “This is my town truck. I bought it last year after my brothers gave me a hard time about being seen in the other one.”

  “I can see why. That other truck is more rust than metal. What hit the tailgate?”

  “Bull got it. After that I decided to sell the big monster. It’s easier to buy heifers that are already pregnant than to deal with a bull. Truth be told, I’d like to quit raising cattle and concentrate on the horses, but that doesn’t bring any extra income.” She drove through a rut that sent the truck bouncing and made Rhett hit his head on the headliner. “Sorry. The fire trucks and their water hoses tore up my driveway last night. I’ll need to grade it again.” She grinned at him. “You can quit clutching the armrest. I’m an excellent driver.”

  “Obviously.” He rubbed his head then kept teasing her about her driving as she headed down the driveway and hit the remote for the gate.

  Four hours later, all teasing had stopped. Sierra had visited all but one of the ranches where her horses would be spending the next several months. Some of the accommodations were great, even better than she could provide. But the last ranch they’d visited had her worried. She had been tactful, careful not to let her disappointment show as she talked to Mr. Hawkins, but his barn had been in poor repair and not very clean. On top of that, the horses had been crowded into small stalls.

  “You thinking about the place we just left?” Rhett spoke as they turned into the gate at the last place on her list.

  “Yes. Charley looked okay, but he won’t get much exercise there. Fred Hawkins is overworked and understaffed.” Sierra made a decision. “I’ve got to find a tactful way to get Charley out of there.”

  “I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Rhett was out of the truck as soon as she stopped next to the round pen. He
’d been doing that all morning, helping her out of the truck. She hoped he was just being a gentleman and it wasn’t because he thought she was frail. She took his hand and stepped into the muddy yard. It had rained while they’d been out, and while that was good for the pastures, it made a mess in the pens.

  “Looks like Blanco is having a good time.” She walked over to lean against the fence. “Hey, Mary, how’s it going?”

  “This bad boy is having way too much fun.” The woman had a lead line in her hand. She looked over her shoulder and grinned. “He rolled in the mud and now look at him. It’s time to put him up and he’s not having it.” She was suddenly pushed from behind and screamed as she tumbled into the mud face-first.

  “Oh, boy.” Rhett started to open the gate.

  “Stay here. I’ve got this.” Sierra ran inside. “Close the gate behind me, Rhett.” She reached down to help the sputtering woman to her feet. “You okay?”

  “I should know better than to turn my back on a frisky horse.” She laughed and wiped mud off her face. “Can you believe this?” She picked up a water hose that she had left running into a trough and ran it over her hands.

  “Give me that lead.” Sierra took it and approached Blanco. “You big bad boy. What are you thinking?” The horse kicked up his heels, having fun and obviously happy to hear her voice. He tried to nose her into the mud too, but she was used to his tricks. She quickly snapped the lead onto his halter then pulled him over to the trough. “Think you’re smart, don’t you?” She took the hose from Mary and gave him a good washing. It wasn’t easy to keep the mud from hitting her, but she managed it. She patted Blanco’s shoulder when she was sure he was clean enough to be put away, then gestured for Rhett to open the gate.

  “Thanks, Sierra. I’ll be the first to admit that Blanco’s a little too much horse for me to handle. I’ve got a hand out in the pasture who might have to do it.” Mary walked beside her. “He’s a fine boy, though. Sweet as can be when he’s not playing with me.”